Chester FC Community Trust has teamed up with Active Cheshire to host a Sporting Memories cafe.
 

 
Sporting Memories cafes look to tackle some of the most common problems older people across the world face, including dementia, depression and loneliness.
 
The cafes support older people through social activities, helping them recall memories of watching or playing sport – a common currency that people from all ages and backgrounds can talk about together.
 
The Chester FC cafe will run on Wednesdays from 11am to 12 noon at the Swansway Chester Stadium. Everyone is welcome and the group is suitable for older adults and anyone living with dementia and their carers. It is free to attend with tea, coffee and biscuits available.
 
Thanks to investment from Brightlife, Active Cheshire is launching Sporting Memories cafes cafes in Chester and Winsford to help reduce social isolation in people aged over 50 in Cheshire West and Chester.
 
Sessions are being supported by volunteers and partner agencies including Chester FC Community Trust, Wesley Church Centre and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
 
The free cafes will be based at the following locations:
 
Chester FC, Swansway Chester Stadium, Bumpers Lane. Every Wednesday 11am-12noon.

Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Backford. Every Friday 11am-12noon.

Wesley Church Centre, St John Street, Chester. Every Thursday 11am-12noon (starting 26th July).

 
Nont Iamkamphaeng, Strategic Lead for Mental Health at Active Cheshire, said: “Sharing memories of something that invokes such passion, as sport does for so many people, can truly help people connect.
 
“In the UK, 17% of older people are in contact with family, friends and neighbours less than once a week, and 11% in contact less than once a month. Lacking social connections increases likelihood of mortality by 26% and has been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”
 
Jim Green, Chief Executive of Chester FC Community Trust, said: “Having previously worked with Sporting Memories, we jumped at the opportunity to host of the cafes.
 
“We hope to create a friendly, welcoming group where people can share their memories of sport and make new friends.”
 
For more details about the Sporting Memories cafes in Cheshire West and Chester email teamwest@activecheshire.org or contact Sarah Tilling on 07720 592784.